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S. Epatha Merkerson Headshot

S. Epatha Merkerson

Birth Place: Saginaw, MI, USA

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BIO

S. Epatha Merkerson is a film, stage, and television actor. She has received numerous high-profile accolades for her work, including an Emmy Award, a Golden Globe Award, a Screen Actors Guild Award, four NAACP Image Awards, two Obie Awards and two Tony Award nominations.

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

[Williamstown, MA (Regional)]
Original Production at Williamstown Theatre Festival, 2017
Sharon

[Off-Broadway]
Primary Stages Production, 0
Performer

[Broadway]
Manhattan Theatre Club Revival, 2008
Lola

[Broadway]
1990
Berniece

[Broadway]
Broadway Transfer, 1980
Performer (Understudy)


Movies

She's Gotta Have It
[ 1986 ] Doctor Jamison Epatha Merkerson
Jacob's Ladder
[ 1990 ] Elsa
Navy Seals
[ 1990 ] Jolena
Loose Cannons
[ 1990 ] Rachel
Terminator 2: Judgment Day
[ 1991 ] Tarissa Dyson
Random Hearts
[ 1999 ] Nea
The Rising Place
[ 2001 ] Lessie Watson
Radio
[ 2003 ] Maggie
Jersey Girl
[ 2004 ] Doctor #1
Black Snake Moan
[ 2006 ] Angela
Slipstream
[ 2007 ] Bonnie
Mother and Child
[ 2009 ] Ada
The Six Wives of Henry Lefay
[ 2009 ] Effa
Lincoln
[ 2012 ] Lydia Smith
Peeples
[ 2013 ] Daphne Peeples
The Challenger
[ 2015 ] Jada
Year by the Sea
[ 2016 ] Liz

TV Shows

Chicago Fire
Sharon Goodwin
Chicago Med
Sharon Goodwin
Chicago P.D.
Sharon Goodwin
Here and Now
Ms. St. Marth
Law & Order
Lieutenant Anita Van Buren, Mrs. Denise Winters

Awards and Nominations

The Lortels - 2015 - Outstanding Lead Actress in a Play

S. Epatha Merkerson, While I Yet Live

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2008 - Outstanding Actress in a Play

S. Epatha Merkerson, Come Back, Little Sheba

Tony Awards - 2008 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play

S. Epatha Merkerson, Come Back, Little Sheba

The Lortels - 2006 - Outstanding Lead Actress

S. Epatha Merkerson, Birdie Blue

The Lortels - 2003 - Outstanding Lead Actress

S. Epatha Merkerson, Fucking A


winner
Helen Hayes Awards - 1999 - Outstanding Lead Actress, Resident Play

S. Epatha MerkersonThe Old Settler

Drama Desk Awards - 1990 - Outstanding Actress - Musical

S. Epatha Merkerson, The Piano Lesson


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1990 - Outstanding Actress - Play

S. Epatha Merkerson, The Piano Lesson

Helen Hayes Awards - 1990 - Outstanding Lead Actress, Non-Resident Production

S. Epatha MerkersonThe Piano Lesson

Olivier Awards - 1990 - Outstanding Lead Actress, Non-Resident Production

S. Epatha MerkersonThe Piano Lesson

Tony Awards - 1990 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play

S. Epatha Merkerson , The Piano Lesson

News


Cynthia Erivo Joins Peacock's POKER FACE Season 2

Cynthia Erivo, the Tony Award winner and star of the upcoming Wicked movie, will guest star in the second season of Peacock's Poker Face. Other guest stars for the upcoming season include Margo Martindale, BJ Novak, Giancarlo Esposito, and Katie Holmes.
How Jen Silverman Turned Family Drama Into a Hit Play

It's been almost a decade since Jen Silverman wrote The Roommate- a play that is making its Broadway debut this season with the help of the stage and screen power duo that is Mia Farrow and Patti LuPone. Jen checks in about the new play in this interview!
THE PIANO LESSON Film to Be a 'Cinematic' Adaptation of the August Wilson Play

The upcoming adaptation of The Piano Lesson will mark a cinematic departure from the stage version. Co-writing the screenplay with Virgil Williams, director Malcolm Washington opened up the world of the story for the movie, utilizing flashbacks and other filmmaking techniques to sometimes take viewers out of the living room where the original play is set.
Shout! TV to Air PEE-WEE'S PLAYHOUSE Marathon

Spark creativity and imagination with Shout! TV’s Pee-wee Forever – a 24-hour marathon of every episode of the iconic television series Pee-wee’s Playhouse. The marathon streams all-day on August 27 in honor of Paul Reubens and his beloved character Pee-wee Herman. Join Pee-wee, Cowboy Curtis, Miss Yvonne, Chairry, Conky and more for adventures at the fantastic Playhouse.
Malcolm Washington's THE PIANO LESSON Film to Make International Premiere at TIFF

The film version of August Wilson's The Piano Lesson will make its international premiere at the 49th edition of the Toronto International Film Festival, scheduled to run from September 5, 2024 to September 15, 2024.
The SAG-AFTRA Foundation Launches Legacy Collection, New Historical Video Series

The SAG-AFTRA Foundation is launching its Legacy Collection today, offering a comprehensive archive of interviews and materials celebrating the contributions of actors and performers in the entertainment industry. Learn more!
Shout! Studios Acquires Home Entertainment and Digital Distribution Rights for PEE-WEE'S PLAYHOUSE

Shout! Studios announced they have once again acquired worldwide home entertainment, broadcast, and digital distribution rights for Paul Reubens’ groundbreaking TV series PEE-WEE’S PLAYHOUSE. Shout! Studios now has extensive distribution rights to all 45 episodes of PEE-WEE’S PLAYHOUSE as well as PEE-WEE’S PLAYHOUSE CHRISTMAS SPECIAL.
Photos: MOTHER PLAY Celebrates Opening Night on Broadway

Mother Play officially opened on Broadway on April 25 at the Hayes Theater. Check out photos of the cast and VIPs at the after party here!
THE PIANO LESSON Broadway Revival Officially Recoups

The Broadway revival of August Wilson’s The Piano Lesson which concluded its Broadway engagement on January 29, 2023, has officially recouped its investment.
Ethan Watermeier & Rachel Stern to Star in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF at Olney Theatre Center

Discover Olney Theatre Center's production of 'Fiddler on the Roof' with a fresh global perspective. This timeless musical explores themes of rising anti-Semitism, Russian aggression, refugee crises, and women's struggles against patriarchal authority. Don't miss this captivating show running from November 8 to December 31 in Olney, Maryland.
Photos: Stars Walk the Red Carpet for Opening Night of PURLIE VICTORIOUS

BroadwayWorld was on hand for the big opening night of Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp Through the Cotton Patch and you can check out photos from the star-studded red carpet arrivals here!
New Federal Theatre to Hold 53rd Anniversary Celebration Next Month at Edison Ballroom

NEW FEDERAL THEATRE will hold its 53rd Anniversary Celebration on October 2 at Edison Ballroom, honoring Woodie King, Jr., Gabrielle Kurlander, and Sade Lythcott. The gala is chaired by Kenny Leon and Lynn Whitfield.
New Federal Theatre To Hold 53rd Anniversary Celebration in October

Woodie King, Jr.'s New Federal Theatre (NFT), led by Producing Artistic Director Elizabeth Van Dyke, will hold a 53rd Anniversary Celebration October 2, 2023 at Edison Ballroom, 240 West 47th Street.  
Annual Black Theatre Day to Celebrate The Legacy of the African Grove Theatre & More

Join the annual Black Theatre Day celebration on Sunday, Sept. 17 to honor the legacy of the African Grove Theatre and support Black theatres worldwide. Discover the history and impact of Black theatre and the careers it has launched.
The Negro Ensemble Company to Premiere MECCA IS BURNING at Harlem Schoool Of The Arts In August

From August 10 to 26, the Negro Ensemble Company, Inc. (NEC), in conjunction with their residency at Penn Live Arts, will perform the world premiere of 'Mecca Is Burning' at Harlem School of the Arts.
Video: Broadway Comes Out to Celebrate 50 Years of TKTS

TKTS, which revolutionized same-day discount theatre tickets for Broadway and Off-Broadway shows, marked 50 years in Times Square with a special celebration in front of the red steps. IN this video, watch as Broadway comes out to celebrate!
S. Epatha Merkerson, Eric Ulloa & More to Take Part in TKTS 50th Anniversary Celebration

On Wednesday, June 28, TDF’s TKTS will mark 50 years in Times Square. Starting at 11am, there will be a special celebration in honor of TKTS’ golden anniversary behind the TKTS Booth on Broadway and 47th Street, in front of the red steps.
Theater J Reveals Lineup For 2023-24 Season

Theater J has announced its 2023-2024 season, the first season planned by the theater’s new Artistic Director, Hayley Finn. Featuring world premiere productions, the debut of a solo play series, and an abundance of new works by emerging writers within the American theater landscape, this season builds on Theater J’s legacy as a home for exceptional new work within Washington, DC and throughout the country.
Megan Hilty, Dulé Hill, and More to Perform at PBS' NATIONAL MEMORIAL DAY CONCERT This Month

PBS' NATIONAL MEMORIAL DAY CONCERT, America's national night of remembrance, will return live from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol hosted by Tony Award-winner Joe Mantegna and Emmy Award-winner Gary Sinise, acclaimed actors who are dedicated to veterans' causes and supporting our troops in active service.
Exclusive: The Company of NEW YORK, NEW YORK's Celebrates Opening Night!

New York, New York, the final musical of the 2022-23 Broadway season is open at last!  The show is now officially running at Broadway's St. James Theatre. We have photos from inside the opening night party!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has S. Epatha Merkerson been in?

S. Epatha Merkerson has appeared on Broadway in 3 shows.

How many West End shows has S. Epatha Merkerson been in?

S. Epatha Merkerson has not appeared in the West End.

What awards has S. Epatha Merkerson been nominated for?

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Play (The Lortels) for While I Yet Live, Outstanding Actress in a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Come Back, Little Sheba, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for Come Back, Little Sheba, Outstanding Lead Actress (The Lortels) for Birdie Blue, Outstanding Lead Actress (The Lortels) for Fucking A, Outstanding Lead Actress, Resident Play (Helen Hayes Awards) for The Old Settler, Outstanding Actress - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for The Piano Lesson, Outstanding Actress - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for The Piano Lesson, Outstanding Lead Actress, Non-Resident Production (Helen Hayes Awards) for The Piano Lesson, Outstanding Lead Actress, Non-Resident Production (Olivier Awards) for The Piano Lesson and Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for The Piano Lesson.

What awards has S. Epatha Merkerson won?

S. Epatha Merkerson has won the Outstanding Lead Actress award in a Resident Play at the Helen Hayes Awards for The Old Settler. She also received the Outstanding Actress in a Play award at the Drama Desk Awards for The Piano Lesson.

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